Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on Transportation, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2347) of Nick Collins for legislation to establish a task force to improve enforcement of existing laws governing motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds and implement fines for certain offenses; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2373) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Steven Owens and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to class 3 electric bicycles; and (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 2432) of Patrick M. O'Connor that provisions be made to establish a special commission (including members of the General Court) to evaluate and study pedestrians safety through moped law enforcement, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3168).
Sen. Bruce Tarr
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1985) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to 100% disabled veteran excise tax exemptions. Revenue.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1988) of Ryan C. Fattman, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Steven George Xiarhos and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill defines "Class 3 electric bicycles" as those with pedal-assist only and a 28 mph speed limit, while updating the overall definition of "electric bicycle" to include all classes. It changes trail regulations to allow municipalities to create local rules (including speed limits) for e-bike use on natural-surface trails after public notice and hearings, replacing a previous automatic ban. The bill directly affects e-bike riders (especially Class 3 users), local governments managing trails, and trail users by shifting regulation authority to municipalities. These changes clarify e-bike classifications and give communities flexibility to manage trail access.
Maddy summaryHD 2499 designates April 5 as Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS) Awareness Day. The bill requires the governor to annually issue a proclamation on this date to raise public awareness about OCNDS, a rare genetic disorder caused by a specific gene mutation that can lead to developmental delays and differences in brain function. It emphasizes that early therapy can help manage the condition and encourages the public to observe the day appropriately. This is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no new legal requirements or funding impacts.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2083) of Bruce E. Tarr, Hannah Kane, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to increase the conservation land tax credit. Revenue.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2038) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to increase the commuter tax deduction to reflect rising costs. Revenue.
Senate, June 25, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 2243),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3145).
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts' legal definition of "veteran" to expand eligibility for state benefits. It adds two key categories: (1) members of the American Merchant Marine who served during WWII (1941-1946) with honorable discharge, and (2) veterans awarded service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The revised definition also clarifies that "active duty" includes training periods where service members were disabled. This change directly affects veterans seeking state benefits who previously may not have qualified under the older definition, while maintaining existing exclusions like dishonorable discharges.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 833) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to protect equity in real estate transactions through the use of a shared appreciation mortgage. Financial Services.